Helen Kutsher dies at 89

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MONTICELLO, NY. – Helen Kutsher, of one of the most prestigious “Borscht Belt” hotels, has died at 89.

Family members say that the Kutsher passed away Tuesday in a hospital in Philadelphia, where she had lived for years.

Helen was the heart of the resort, always greeting guests with a smile when they walked in and was an all around amazing host, who made sure all guests needs were met for over 75 years. In the day and age of computer check-ins, Helen was the definition of class… She would always greet guests personally most times with a food basket.

Back in the day, Kutsher’s, which opened in 1907, was known for it’s big portions of prime rib and for attracting entertainers like Tony Bennett. Wilt Chamberlain even worked there as a bell hop when he was young.

Helen came to the Catskills in 1934 when she was just a little girl where the main building of Kutsher’s was a farm house. Years later she married Milton Kutsher, and together they built one of the most famous resorts in Upstate New York. Her resort was her home and all though she spent her later years in Philadelphia, her heart was always in the Catskills. Helen is remembered by her three children and plenty of grandchild.